Located on National Highway 44, Sangrama is one of the most significant junctions between Srinagar and Baramulla. It is a small yet vital town, which is an entry point for travellers, traders, and daily commuters towards Sopore, Baramulla, Kupwara; therefore, the place is busy. Over time, Sangrama has emerged as an important center for goods and people, thus becoming a lifeline for business and connectivity in the region. Its strategic location makes it important not only for local trade but also for the travelers passing through the different parts of Kashmir, which further strengthens its importance in the economic and social sphere of the state.

Besides the geographical importance, Sangrama shows the changing trends of the region. Its changes over time parallel the larger story of Kashmir’s journey of development. The Sangrama story is not just a tale of some structure or infrastructural development but is a collective story of change in how issues are addressed and solved.
It was long since Sangrama had become the word for Chaos. Cars were creeping up and down the narrow streets, congested roads, and angry commuters had endured hours of stoppages. It was a perpetual hubbub scene, flanked with shops, and people pushing their way through the packed traffic. All of this chaotic environment, though vibrant on its own, made it incredibly frustrating to residents, shopkeepers, and travelers alike.
Imagine the life of a commuter that spends hours going through jams in traffic or the shopkeeper losing customers to avoid congestion caused at that spot. Yet, amidst this chaos, it retained its importance as a trade and transport hub, which only made the need for change more urgent.
However, Sangrama has undergone a dramatic change. What was earlier a bottleneck had become a hub of progress with the construction of a flyover and other infrastructural facilities. This transformation has not only sorted out the traffic bottlenecks of the town but also raised it as an example of good governance and planning. This had been going on for years that narrow roads and infrastructures in Sangrama were incapable of meeting the constant volume of growing traffic. Vehicles moved at snail's pace with a corresponding long queue accompanied by such inconveniences, which caused great disruptions during their daily lives. It was taking a toll on business, causing a delay on transporting goods, and generally making every pass through the area frustrated.
Commuters waiting for hours before crossing the junction meant missing many deadlines, appointments, and delivery times. That inefficiency went beyond individual frustration, it rippled out to affect the local economy. Shopkeepers lost customers; goods were coming in late, and people's moods in the region were characterized as exasperating and annoying.
The intensity of this problem forced the government to take immediate action. Recognizing that a long-term solution was much needed, they sanctioned the construction of a flyover which connects the Srinagar and Baramulla Districts, that would solve the growing demands of the area. This marked the beginning of a journey that would redefine the future of Sangrama.
It was conceptualized to solve the traffic congestion problem in town and a step toward modernizing its infrastructure. Unlike most of the projects that face delays, this flyover was completed in one and a half years—a testimony to good planning and implementation.
Beyond that, building the flyover involved other aspects of road expansion with improved pedestrian walkways while making the surroundings appear more attractive with easier flowability of increased traffic. Road widening, drainage system improvement, and an aesthetic appearance of the surroundings altogether helped create an organized and beautiful community for its residents as well as visitors.
The flyover thus indeed proved to be a great milestone in the development of the region by showing that the most difficult projects could indeed be completed if proper vision and commitment were in place. It proved that the involvement of government authorities and local stakeholders made it possible and rather inevitable for progress to occur.
The flyover has impacted Sangrama in a very basic way. The traffic jams that once spoiled the day-to-day experience are gone; disappeared as if they never existed. Commercials and traders can easily navigate the space, while shopkeepers are noticing a rise of visitors due to the easy access. In general, life in Sangrama has been transformed for both its residents and visitors, with better infrastructure and easier travel.
In order to understand the transformation from the perspective of the locals, I conducted a survey, speaking with shopkeepers, residents, and daily commuters. Some shopkeepers mentioned that business has improved and access is now easier. But many were reluctant to publicly discuss the improvements. They believed that individuals tended to concentrate more on issues than fixes.
Some people agreed that the advantages were obvious, such as reduced travel time and improved economic chances. However, there was still a certain hesitation in openly celebrating this progress. Such hesitation spoke of an even deeper social issue: unwillingness to celebrate and appreciate the good changes happening in society.
Once upon a time, delayed infrastructure projects in Kashmir received wholesale criticism. But with successful completion of a project like the Sangrama flyover, they are still ungrateful. Gratitude is one of the important virtues that goes beyond a personal quality but becomes a social virtue. By rejoicing over development and appreciating the efforts that it takes to achieve it, we are building unity. The story of Sangrama reminds us that development doesn’t mean just infrastructure, but it is a change in mind-set and a positive approach toward progress.
The Sangrama flyover is more than just a structure; it is a symbol of what is possible when there is collective action toward a shared vision. It demonstrates that with proper planning, efficient execution, and a clear goal, even the most persistent problems can be solved. The effect of this move is not only on Sangrama but sets a precedent on others in Kashmir and even other areas across the globe. It demonstrates that even such old problems can be solved if approached with the correct method, which is a stone laying for sustainable development.
It is our obligation, as citizens, to be thankful and appreciate initiatives toward progress. This transformation, as seen from Sangrama transforming disorder into order, should instruct us to accept and rejoice at the gains brought in the development of our communities.
Take one minute straight away as you drive down the roads today and flashback to Sangrama talking about traffic war situations and how relative to easy your pass was today. From traffic jams to smooth travel, it's a reminder of what progress looks like and the value of gratitude.
Let the story of Sangrama be the source of inspiration in accepting change, acknowledging achievements, and moving towards a better and more efficient future. The road to progress is not just to solve problems, but to construct a better future one step at a time.

Email:--------------------zargarmehwish5@gmail.com